The 27-year-old was stopped by police on Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, for a routine check.

But officers noted the defendant had been drinking and took a breath test.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson told North Staffordshire Justice Centre: “Officers were behind the defendant who was in a Vauxhall Astra van. The officer had cause to stop it for a routine check and it was clear he had been drinking.”

Sparkes, of Housefield Road, Bentilee, gave a reading of 45 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35. He pleaded guilty to drink-driving on November 10.